It seems like tattoos never go out of style. In fact, cool tats are more popular now than ever. They represent a type of personal expression that tells the world who you are and what you stand for.

And yet when it comes to tats, it’s not uncommon to have a change of heart. Perhaps a relationship has ended, or you’ve simply found yourself in a new phase of life and you’re ready to let go of reminders of the past.

This article takes a look at getting a tattoo removed. It’s easier than you might think. Keep reading to learn some important tattoo removal tips.

1. Be Certain of Your Decision

It’s fine to change your mind. After all, everyone makes regrettable decisions. That’s a part of life, so don’t sweat it.

But you’ve clearly made one choice you regret, so give it some serious thought before second-guessing yourself. You might not be happy with your tat, but those feelings could change.

Take a deep breath. Perhaps talk it over with friends. Get some outside perspective. Then settle on your decision when you can be as subjective as possible.

2. Removal is a Process

Keep in mind that your tat isn’t going away overnight. This isn’t a one-and-done situation. It’s going to take time.

Tattoo removal typically requires multiple treatments, especially if it’s large and elaborate. In fact, the process could require 5 to 10 treatments, extending over a period of months.

The best advice is to schedule a consultation with the tat removal team to learn all the details of their process. Be prepared to receive a lot of information regarding the treatment plan and the costs involved. Make a list of questions to ask so that you can eliminate unwanted surprises.

The consultation will also be a chance to have a conversation about your reasons for wanting the removal, so that you can decide for certain that this is the right move for you.

3. Removal Isn’t Cheap

Believe it or not, you will likely end up spending more on removal than you did on your tat. That’s because the removal process requires some specialized laser technology as well as technicians with the training to achieve the best results possible.

Various factors will obviously impact the cost of removal. These include the size of the tattoo, the colors involved, and the complexity of the design. Each of these factors influence removal costs because of the added time and skill required to make the process successful.

4. Make Sure to Eat and Hydrate Beforehand

It’s important to remember that tat removal typically isn’t pain-free. In fact, it can be downright painful. Especially in comparison to the process of getting the tattoo in the first place. Most people compare the pain involved to having rubber bands repeatedly snapped against the skin.

So be prepared to be physically uncomfortable, which can lead to lightheadedness. The best way to prepare for the experience is to avoid going to a treatment on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal beforehand.

This is especially important for anyone with a low tolerance for any level of discomfort or pain. Consuming calories immediately prior to your appointment is a great way to significantly reduce the chances of fainting or swooning.

5. Avoid Perfume, Lotions, and Other Cosmetics

You’ll also need to avoid applying anything to the skin before or after each treatment. Cosmetics such as perfume and lotions will slow down the healing process.

The best policy is to keep the treated area cleanly shaved and free of cosmetics of any kind. This will help provide the removal technician with the best possible area to work with and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Removing a tat isn’t magic, and thus you need to respect the process. This means doing whatever necessary to provide a surface that will respond positively.

Also keep in mind that the laser involved is a finely-tuned instrument designed to work on a clean surface, thus lotions and other chemicals could impact the quality of the finished product.

6. Take Tylenol for Pain, Not Ibuprofen or Aspirin

As mentioned earlier, a certainly level of pain will be involved with tat removal. Thus you’ll likely seek some form of pain relief. Everyone has a different preference for mild pain relief, but for this process you should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. Choose Tylenol instead.

Why? Because ibuprofen and aspirin typically cause mild bruising after each treatment.

Tylenol will provide the mild pain relief you’re seeking, and you won’t have to worry about splotchy bruising around the treated area.

7. Have Realistic Expectations

It’s important to be aware of the fact that tat removal can be very effective in most cases. And yet you need to have realistic expectations about the final outcome. Each case is different, and everyone reacts differently to removal treatments.

You’re goal is complete removal, and to have the surface of your skin returned to its original condition prior to the tattoo. This is understandable. Just don’t expect a miracle. This process can be produce amazing results, but there are no guarantees.

The key is to discuss your goals with the technician performing the treatments so that you can understand as fully as possible exactly what to expect when the treatments are complete.

How to Prepare for Getting a Tattoo Removed

Tattoos have been apart of the human experience for thousands of years. Cultures all over the world use tats for a wide range of purposes, from a way to show love, to display power, or simply to add to beauty to the human form.

Tattoos remain popular, and yet it’s good to know that they don’t have to be permanent. Getting a tattoo removed doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. It’s a simply matter of understanding the process and preparing yourself mentally and physically for treatment.

Click here to learn more about the value of improving your appearance with tattoo removal.